By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
The Price City Police Department, alongside the Carbon Metro Drug Task Force, announced Friday that it had recently executed a search warrant which led to the seizure of firearms, cash, drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Executed as part of an ongoing investigation into cocaine and THC cartridge distribution across Carbon County, the operation saw the capture of ” four firearms, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, THC cartridges and wax, various drug paraphernalia for both distribution and use, and approximately $20,000 in cash.”
“Our county has seen an alarming rise in fatal and nonfatal overdoses related to cocaine use. We urge the community to remain vigilant about the increased likelihood of fentanyl – a dangerously potent substance – being mixed into street-purchased drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and even prescription pills,” reads a social media statement from the PCPD.
It continues,” Compounding this danger is the emergence of carfentanil, an opioid approximately 100 times stronger than fentanyl, which could pose significant risks, especially in rural communities like ours. Luckily, we have not seen it in our area, but we do know it has made its way to Utah.”
The departments also commented that investigations and operations like these are ‘crucial’ for safeguarding the community, but that of equal importance to the department is ensuring recovery for individuals battling substance use disorders through treatment, support and recovery services.
“We recognize that drug enforcement can be perceived as a disruption during the addiction recovery process, yet it is often a necessary intervention to protect lives. We are committed to being an ally in this endeavor,” shared the department. “We strongly encourage individuals struggling with addiction to reach out to local resources for assistance in their recovery journey. Our aim is to support you, foster understanding, and promote a healthier community.”
The department provided a list of existing community resources, including Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA), Castleview Hospital’s StepOne Service, Four Corners Community Behavioral Health, and the Southeast Utah Health Department.
The PCPD also put out a call to action to the community, asking for those with information on drug operations throughout the county to submit tips to the CMDTF by calling 435-637-TIPS (8477) or email CPT. Brandon Ratcliffe at brandonr@priceutah.gov.